Live Freely.

"Aunty." A girl sounded in front of the door. "They are catching on to us."

The blonde woman opened her eyes from the throne. "Those wretched fools."

Her expression was as cold as winter itself. "Just you wait. I'll take them down."

She said these words so many times, but there was no opportunity.

Seeing the girl's eyes filled determination, the blond woman felt like now it was the time.

In the past, she didn't do it fearing it would hurt the girl in the process. Now that it had come to this, the years of preparation was ready to take its course. She just only hoped it would be successful.

"Aunty..." the girl gave her a sad expression. "...I feel like I found the place for me, aunty."

She remembered his words and genuinely smiled. 'Our home.' It was the first time that she ever heard such a beautiful phrase.

"A place where I truly belong."

Seeing an unexpected soft demeanor from this inanimate girl, the woman was ecstatic for her.

"...Come here, Yifei." The woman said gently.

When Yifei approached, she pulled her into an embrace and uttered. "You've gone through enough troubles. I'm happy for you, love."

"Mm," Yifei mumbled.

"There would be some bloodshed you know dear."

The woman warned. "If this is what you really want, then I'll do it all the way."

"I'm fine. It's normal. I can handle them." Yifei's eyes turned deadly. "Insects are insects. What I fear is nothing that low.'"

"Very well. I can handle the others." The woman paused before she continued. "Xiao Mei can work for me. She doesn't have to follow you. It's not safe if they can track you from her."

"...I understand." She replied solemnly. "I'll send you guys letters often."

"Send very few. We don't want them to know your whereabouts." The woman stroked Yifei's hair and said. "Be careful when you get there today. Do not let them know you didn't stay here this past month."

Yifei nodded. "Where's Mei-mei? Is she here? I'm leaving with her now."

"She's in the kitchen." She smiled. The woman waved with leisure as she watched Yifei leave the room.

When she was gone entirely, her voice articles the empty room. "Jing Lei."

"Tell Li Qiang to send them my letter." The blond woman ordered strictly.

"Yes, right away, your grace." Jing Lei immediately went to work.

The blond woman lifted her hand and bit her thumbnail.

This is not going to be that easy, helping the eldest daughter of a duke. And from another kingdom at that.

After thinking in silence, she suddenly scoffed. Hah! Hard for everyone else, but not me. What a pompous group of people. They think they can do what they want? I'll expose their ugliness soon!

The woman stood up from her throne and quickly walked towards the window. She glared at the people below, touching the glass. Her lips were curved unpleasantly. Her hand gripped so hard; they started to tremble. Her nails had left dent marks in her palm.

————

*knock knock

Yifei opened the door of the kitchen. "Mei-mei?"

Xiao Mei turned around. "Lady Baihe!" Seeing Yifei, she felt a profound relief that she was safe.

"How have you been, how were you able to get here safely?" Yifei asked her in a kind tone.

"After I told them what you ordered me to say, we returned to their base and then I told them I came here to check on you." Xiao Mei said proudly. "It was where you were supposed to be anyway!"

"I hope those two will believe their words." Yifei sighed. "Let's get ready to go."

Xiao Mei grabbed her wrist.

"M-My lady...." Xiao Mei hesitated. "Must we go? You will be.. again...I.., it would probably be like before." She bit her lips. It was too hard even to say a sound, let alone mention the deeds.

"It will be fine. It's nothing new." Yifei closed her eyes, trying to calm down.

"If you wish, then I will follow." Xiao Mei held her hand.

_________

When they got out of the palace, dozens of the guards were already waiting in the front.

"Miss, don't make it hard for us," One of them said. "Please follow us."

"I know. Don't touch me." Yifei said coldly as she viciously slapped his hand away. "If you do again, I'll chop off that filthy hand of yours."

Though she knows the routine like the back of her hand, she still hated everything about this. It disgusted her.

Yifei moved proudly with her head held high.

No matter what happens, it's best to be confident in everything you do.

The guard wasn't fazed like she had acted like this before. He took out a dull silver key and automatically, the glowing bangles appeared. It quickly shrank and tightened her wrists and legs as well as her neck this time.

Yifei bit her lips, her body quivered. She almost fell due to its instantaneous movement, and blood slowly dropped down from her soft lips from biting too hard.

Xiao Mei saw her face and could see the pain in her master's eyes.

She couldn't take it.

She saw it with her own eyes this time than hearing it through the door or the wooden panels of agonizing screams.

Xiao Mei was furious, trying to hold in her tears. "Stop hurting her!" She chased after Yifei.

"Xiao Mei!" Yifei angrily shouted. She gave her a warning look. Don't say anything. Please.

Yifei begged in her mind.

"but my lady..." She knew Yifei did it for her own good, but this was too hard to watch. Xiao Mei started to cry in frustration but helplessly obeyed her master. She followed the guards in front and climbed into a transpirational contraption that was headed to a long, long road to hell.

From above, the blond woman saw all of it through the window. Her eyes were dark, filled with disdain.

"Jing Lei! Li Qiang!" She furiously yelled. "Follow them! Otherwise, there is hell to pay if you don't complete the mission."

"Yes, your highness." Both replied and immediately left.

It was the first time they heard their queen yelled so loudly, it scared them half to death, with their legs shaking.

____________

Yifei looked outside.

It wasn't the sky, not the vibrant green trees, nor his face. It was water, an endless amount of it, filling the surroundings. Corals of different colors and shapes spread. They passed by an infinite amount of fishes that came in diverse designs.

Everywhere looked beautiful and unique, but her eyes were dead. She leaned on the back of the seat and listlessly stared off to space.

It was the same thing over and over again. So much that she had forgotten how long it's been.

Was there no way to escape this fate? All she wanted was to live freely. Live how she wanted to live, be with a person that cared for her, and enjoy the world. Was it too much to ask? It wasn't diamond and jewels that she wanted, nor was it power or being gifted.

She just wanted to love and be loved. But she couldn't have it.

Now, the only way was to take it back forcefully. Everything she deserved to have in this world.

No more living behind false truths. No more standing behind closed doors.

It's my life, after all.

Everything. I will take it back.